Several vessels joined the race to quell a fire that consumed a charter and fishing boat just off Hamilton Harbour.

Flames on board the Hakuna Matata were sighted at about 7.30am on Thursday by the crew of the ferry Resolute, which went to assist and notified emergency services along with Bermuda Maritime Operations.

This week, the semi-submerged vessel could be seen under salvage.

The Department of Marine and Ports said two people on board were safely removed and checked by medical staff at the Hamilton Princess Marina. No injuries were initially reported.

Onboard pumps from the Resolute along with Warbaby Fox were deployed on the flames. The coastguard vessel 41 Juliet attended with fire service staff, while the tug Powerful was sent for its greater firefighting capability.

The department said a ship spotted passing through the area was the inbound container ship Bermuda Islander.

A local pilot on the ship, who had direct VHF communication contact with the Resolute ferry master, was advised of the incident because it was within the main shipping channel.

The department said the operational record did not show the Resolute having to take evasive action.

Instead of physically nudging the burning vessel, the tug pushed it using the jets from its fire hoses towards the rocks northwest of Spectacle Island, where it could be contained in shallower water and reduce the risk to navigation.

“The fire was contained, and containment booms were deployed in response to signs of pollution and debris.

“The coastguard remained on scene to monitor the vessel and the effectiveness of the boom during the change of tide.

“The vessel owner is responsible for arranging salvage and was reported to be liaising with a salvage contractor. Marine and Ports and the relevant agencies will continue to monitor the situation, including any risk to navigation or the marine environment.”